Safety measures ignored by GVMC

No protective wall is seen at a work site of the GVMC under the Visakhapatnam city limits.

VISAKHAPATNAM: The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) has initiated several civil works in various parts of the city. How-ever, the contractors who are executing the works have failed in ensuring proper safety measures. There are possible threats to public safety in busy, commercial areas due to reckless handling of construction material.

Many construction sites are completely open to traffic, without placing ‘take-Diversion’ boards. In few places, the boards are showing the wrong direction and the motorists are also least bothered about these boards.

Road construction sites often allow traffic to pass. But there are no ‘Work under Progress’ boards in these places, including Dondaparthy, Akkayyapa-lem, Maddilapalem and MVP Colony, allowing the commuters to travel at their own risk.

A caution board, with a flashing light, would help avoid lots of accidents. The site at Shivajipalem, where canal digging is underway, must be fenced with barricades. The workers are pouring mud and debris on the road. Sometimes, people may unknowingly enter these roads, leading to mishaps.

“Canal digging work was started here on Saturday. The contractor has not directed the workers about handling debris and sand heaps are lined up on the road. There was traffic jam on Sunday night as construction material was kept on the road. Traffic woes increased from Monday,” K. Ram Prasad, a business man from Pedda Waltair, said.

When asked about the safety measures taken, municipal contractor P. Govind said he had already instructed the workers about it. This is a project worth Rs 12 lakh which is a minor contract to Mr Govind. He is simultaneously handling other projects as well.

Majority of accident deaths in the city occur due to poor state of roads. Many deaths are also caused due to construction material placed carelessly on the roads such as rock pebbles, gravel and sand. Most of the bikes skid at the turning points where such material is left uncleared.

Recently, a man had met with an accident at Maddilapalem junction and he was admitted to King George Hospital where his hand was amputated. Incidents like this repeatedly happen owing to irregular works that do not follow safety measures.

“Authorities concerned should regularly monitor the civil works and take action on the contractors who do not maintain public safety,” a GVMC official said.